Hotel Management Issues - Essay Example

The purpose of large group face-to-face meetings is specifically defined as achieving an identified consensus towards a particular pursuit or endeavour that must be resolved and addressed. Although supporters of virtual meetings and other technological applications contend that the same objective could be attained by eliminating face-to-face meetings, one argues that virtual meetings and other computer-mediated forms of communication are most prone to distractions. Since the users are in different locations, which are most convenient to their respective endeavours, despite indicating presence during the virtual meeting, these participants could continue other forms of activities such as responding to emails, texting, and making side conversations without the obvious knowledge of the other participants. As such, those participating in virtual meetings and other technologically mediated forms of communication, exhibit an inability to focus completely and dedicatedly since distractions abound.

With large face-to-face meetings which are designed to unite members into collaborating, participating, observing, listening, reacting, responding and interacting with other participants, more enlivened discussion ensues. The element of human interaction is crucial and paramount as it indicates a form of commitment, a social bond that indicates conformity to the same goals, philosophies, values and ideals promoted by the group, in which the members should be active participants. Likewise, through real-time reactions and responses relayed by the participants, relevant and crucial issues are immediately resolved.

There are many advantages of face-to-face meetings that could not just be ignored or dismissed; even with the prolific use and benefits of virtual meetings and computer-mediated forms of communication. For one, face-to-face meetings can generate more positive and vibrant responses from participants that motivate the group to be more enthusiastic about the objective being pursued. The exchange of interaction and feedback, as well as the human contact that confirms full commitment, dedication, innate drive, and serving to fulfil an identified unified goal, is most vivid and present. The opportunities to re-affirm camaraderie among members are paramount and contribute to creative thinking and innovativeness that ensues from the presence of diverse peoples with different backgrounds – working together as they occupy the same time and place.